Over the years, I’ve watched Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) opt-out process for Owner‑Operators (OOs), Lease Operators (LOs), and fleets go through quite an evolution. What once required paper forms—like the old 1149A, 1157A, and later the 10687A—has steadily transformed into something far more streamlined and user-friendly.
Now, with the WSIB’s new online form, the process is faster, simpler, and more accurate than ever. This is great news for carriers and independent operators who want to spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on their business.
That said, while the paperwork may be easier, making the right insurance decisions alongside the opt-out process has never been more important. The choices you make here can have a lasting impact on your protection, compliance, and bottom line.
It’s encouraging to see the industry embracing efficiency—because when processes improve, everyone benefits. Less time chasing forms means more time driving results.
A Closer Look at the New Online Opt-Out System
Opting out of WSIB coverage no longer means completing and sending in paperwork to a WSIB office. The new web-based experience is built to be intuitive and efficient:
· Guided Online Experience – The online form walks OOs and LOs step-by-step through the process, reducing mistakes and improving accuracy.
· VIN Numbers Now Captured– The VIN is collected and included on the Independent Operator Status Letter, making compliance and insurance verification straightforward.
· Faster Turnaround – Immediate digital confirmation means OOs and LOs can start or continue operations without unnecessary downtime, while fleets have up-to-date records at their fingertips.
“Turning our independent operator and optional insurance questionnaires into online forms is a real game changer for how we handle requests,” says Dan DeMasi, Director Employer Services at the WSIB. “Now, users can quickly submit their supporting documents right on our website and get a copy of their completed questionnaire immediately for their own records. This means our team can get back to people with decisions much faster than the old paper process.”
What this Means for Fleets, Owner/Operators, and Lease/Operators…The move to online brings tangible benefits for everyone:
·Fewer Administrative Headaches – No more missing paperwork or mailing delays.
· Streamlined Compliance – VIN-linked status letters make record-keeping and audits easier.
· Quicker Onboarding – Fleets can keep trucks moving without long wait times.
Risks of Opting Out
While the process is more convenient, the decision to opt out of WSIB coverage must be approached with caution. There are serious risks if a proper alternative isn’t in place:
· Loss of Schedule 1 Lawsuit Protection – Without WSIB coverage, fleets lose a critical legal shield, leaving them open to injury-related lawsuits.
· MVA Injury Claims Shift to the Fleet’s Auto Policy – Any motor vehicle accident involving an OO or LO could now be handled through the fleet’s policy, potentially driving up premiums and tightening renewal conditions.
· Greater Litigation Risk – Without the WSIB’s protections, injured OOs or LOs may seek damages through civil court.
For these reasons, fleets should mandate a comprehensive WSIB alternative solution, with a minimum standard through settlement deduction that offers real protection and minimizes exposure.
The Opt Out Process
DeMasi highlighted when an independent operator questionnaire should be completed and how the WSIB communicates a decision.
“The Owner/Operator or Lease/Operator must complete a transportation industry questionnaire for an Independent Operator status ruling if they work in the transportation industry,” explained DeMasi. “Once we’ve made a ruling, we’ll issue a status determination letter to both parties. Independent operators can then provide a copy of the status determination letter to new principals for all following contracts if the same VIN is used.”
In the event of a workplace injury, one of the first documents completed by the attending hospital is the WSIB’s Form 8, which is then submitted directly to the WSIB. If required workplace insurance coverage hasn’t been secured, the principal employer may face significant penalties and fines.
Who Cannot Opt Out?
Please note that only Owner/Operators and Lease Operators have the option of opting out of WSIB coverage. Company drivers, drivers working for Owner/Operators, and incorporated drivers who do not own or lease their vehicle are not eligible to opt out. Regardless of the type of contract they may have with a fleet, WSIB coverage remains a legal requirement and must be maintained and paid for by the principal.
To further assist people in understanding their roles, responsibilities and obligations, the WSIB recently added additional educational information on determining status in the transportation industry to its website.
I think the WSIB’s new online opt-out system is a positive step forward for our industry. It’s quicker, cleaner, and eliminates the headaches that came with chasing forms and waiting on paperwork. For fleets, O/Os, and L/Os, and WSIB that’s a real win!
That said, while the process itself is easier, the decision to opt-out is still a big one. Without the right WSIB alternative solution in place, fleets are opening themselves up to serious risks—from lost legal protections to higher insurance costs and potential litigation.
At the end of the day, this change is about balance: efficiency in the process, and responsibility in making sure proper protection is in place. If we as an industry embrace both, we’ll not only save time—we’ll keep our OOs, fleets, and businesses better protected for the road ahead.
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